English Reference

Word

leftist

Phoneticsleft·ist, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈɫɛftɪst/

UK/lˈɛftɪst/

Definitions

01a person with left-wing views

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Politics

n. someone who supports political ideas that focus on social equality and often wants the government to help people more.

n. an individual who supports the politics of the left, typically advocating for social reform, egalitarianism, and greater economic regulation.

“As a dedicated leftist, she spent her weekends campaigning for better public housing.”

“The candidate struggled to unite the moderate wing of the party with the more radical leftists who demanded systemic economic change.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

rightistconservative

02relating to left-wing politics

B2 · Upper Intermediate Politics

adj. describing political ideas or groups that want to reduce inequality and change how money is shared in society.

adj. pertaining to the political left or its ideologies, often used to describe policies, movements, or rhetoric.

“The university is known for its history of leftist student protests.”

“The government faced criticism from leftist organisations for its decision to privatise the national railway system.”

Synonyms

left-wingprogressive

Antonyms

right-wingconservative

Real-World Examples

“Migrants live in informal camps and roam the streets while the leftist government works to expand emergency accommodation for them.”
The Local 18 Sept 2026
“For many Jewish leftists before 1948, Zionism was far from the only vision for the Jewish future.”
JSTOR Daily 31 Aug 2026

Domain

Politics

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

QR code

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English Reference